Anambra State Police Command successfully thwarted an attempted kidnapping of a foreign national by armed hoodlums, believed to be affiliated with a secessionist group. The incident occurred in the Ogbunka community within the Orumba South Local Government Area on Sunday, as confirmed by police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Monday.
During a gun battle with the assailants, police operatives managed to rescue the victim. However, two officers sustained bullet wounds during the confrontation and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Ikenga reported, “On the morning of October 6, 2024, police operatives courageously engaged the hoodlums, successfully rescuing the VIP. The injured officers are in stable condition.”
Ongoing operations are in place to apprehend the armed suspects. In a related incident, police responding to a distress call on Sunday night regarding a suspected cult clash in Umuka, Nawfia, discovered four deceased young men lying in a pool of blood with suspected multiple gunshot wounds. A doctor on duty confirmed their deaths.
The victims have been identified as Ebuka Nwaonkwube Ekenta, Nnatuanya Junior (a.k.a. Starboy), Aniemena (a.k.a. Osama), and Ahmed Auwal. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the deceased were known for their involvement in criminal activities and had ongoing rivalries with another local cult group. To enhance security, joint patrols with the Special Anti-Cultism Squad have been intensified in the area.
Additionally, Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered an immediate investigation into the gruesome murder of a 17-year-old girl, Chinasa Adigwe, whose body was discovered in a bush at Omasi village. Her remains were found with her private parts mutilated. The body has been recovered and taken to the morgue.
The Commissioner expressed condolences to the family and community of the deceased, assuring them that police efforts will be directed toward capturing those responsible for this heinous act. Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress, Ikenga added.
